Russia threatens to seize swathe of Arctic, plans to increase military budget by 27%

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The expedition to plant a Russian flag on the seabed beneath the ice of the North Pole last August Photo: REUTERS

President Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia should unilaterally claim part of the Arctic, stepping up the race for the disputed energy-rich region.

...

"This is our responsibility, and simply our direct duty, to our descendents," he said. "We must surely, and for the long-term future, secure Russia's interests in the Arctic."

Global warming has stepped up the fight for the disputed Arctic, believed to be laden with vast reserves of oil and gas. Russia has pitted itself against Canada, Denmark, Norway and the United States to fight for a greater part of the region, arguing that most of it is Russian territory since an underwater ridge links Siberia to the North Pole's seabed.

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Vladimir Putin, now Russia's prime minister, has said global warming is good for Russia – melting its vast icy territories to reveal previously inaccessible oil and gas reserves.

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Medvedev's statements on the heated Arctic issue came one day after Putin said that Russia's defence spending would rise 27 per cent next year to nearly $100 billion (£30 million).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...-of-Arctic.html

[rocks 494]

Vladimir Putin, now Russia's prime minister, has said global warming is good for Russia – melting its vast icy territories to reveal previously inaccessible oil and gas reserves.

it's nice to know he doesn't care about the rest of the world

[mawilson 2,133]

Their military budget is about 5% of ours, so a 27% increase would make it what, 6.35%?

[ginger1981 0]

I saw throw some chum on Putin and sic polar bears after him. It would be cheaper than going to war...

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

Nuke 'em!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

Nuke 'em!

Well? Would a Russian move on the Arctic threaten American interests?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

Nuke 'em!

Well? Would a Russian move on the Arctic threaten American interests?

Yes. Nuke 'em!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

Nuke 'em!

Well? Would a Russian move on the Arctic threaten American interests?

Yes. Nuke 'em!

no more liquor for you!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Vote McSame / Bush-Palin and lets nuke the bastards.

Are you implying a Russian move on the Arctic wouldn't be a threat to the US?

Nuke 'em!

Well? Would a Russian move on the Arctic threaten American interests?

Yes. Nuke 'em!

no more liquor for you!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko said on Friday there was no possibility of a war with the United States.

"Regarding the possibility of war between the United States and Russia, this possibility is ruled out," Yakovenko told reporters in Moscow.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=08...;show_article=1